One-Handed Spinal Implant Inserter with Trigger Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinal surgery tools for inserting artificial discs or spinal fusion cages are cumbersome and lack safety features, posing risks to surgeons and potentially causing further injury to patients due to the need for two-handed operation and difficulty in precise placement.
Innovation Solution
A one-handed implantation device with a trigger mechanism, outer sleeve, inner shaft, and grabber for engaging implants, along with an implant clip for alignment and protection, allowing for safe and precise insertion of artificial discs or spinal fusion cages between vertebral bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing two-handed insertion devices are used, then the implant can be inserted between vertebral bodies, but the surgeon's hands are exposed to injury risk from sharp implant protrusions and the procedure becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The device introduces an intermediary mechanical system between the surgeon and the implant. The trigger mechanism acts as a mediator that allows the surgeon to engage and insert the implant without direct hand contact with the sharp protrusions. The inner shaft and outer sleeve system transmits the insertion force while keeping the surgeon's hands protected, resolving the contradiction between safety and operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion device is segmented into multiple functional components: a handle for surgeon operation, an outer sleeve for guidance, an inner shaft for force transmission, and a trigger mechanism for controlled deployment. This segmentation allows the surgeon to operate from a safe distance while the individual components perform specialized functions, improving both safety and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the vertebral bodies are distracted to enable prosthesis placement, then the implant can be inserted, but further injury to the patient can occur if distraction exceeds a certain degree
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates depth control members that provide feedback on the insertion depth of the implant. These members allow the surgeon to monitor and control the distraction degree, ensuring that the vertebral bodies are separated sufficiently for implant placement but not excessively, thereby preventing patient injury while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device prepares the insertion path and controls the distraction process in advance through its structured mechanical system. The outer sleeve and inner shaft are pre-configured to guide the implant at the correct angle and depth, preventing excessive distraction before it can cause harm, while still enabling proper implant placement.
3Productivity
If the prosthesis is not properly positioned between adjacent vertebral bodies, then the procedure is simpler, but pain and postural problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The outer sleeve acts as an intermediary guide that ensures precise positioning of the implant between the vertebral bodies. It provides a defined insertion path and depth control, mediating between the surgeon's insertion action and the final implant position, thereby achieving both procedural efficiency and positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device pre-establishes the correct insertion trajectory and depth through its mechanical structure before the actual implant insertion. The outer sleeve and depth control members are configured in advance to guide the implant to the precise required position, ensuring proper placement without requiring complex adjustments during the procedure.
4Reliability
If a one-handed device is designed, then surgeon safety is improved by reducing exposure to sharp implants, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple functions into a single integrated system that can be operated with one hand. The trigger mechanism, inner shaft, outer sleeve, and depth control members are combined into one cohesive device, allowing the surgeon to engage, insert, and control the implant placement without requiring a second hand, thus improving safety while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various aspects of implant insertion through a single operational interface. The trigger mechanism controls both the engagement and insertion processes, while the depth control members provide positioning functionality, making the device universally capable of performing multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate tools or hands.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and efficient one-handed insertion of implants, reducing procedural time and minimizing physical contact with the implant, while providing alignment and protection features to prevent injury and ensure proper placement.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining element can be a spring
Implementation Method 2
a second member pivotally coupled to each other, the coupling causing the implant clip to have a closed position and an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus assisting safe one-handed insertion of an implant. An implant implantation device has a frame which includes a trigger mechanism, an outer sleeve mechanically coupled to the frame, an inner shaft having a grabber for mechanically engaging an implant, the inner shaft slidably disposed within the outer sleeve, and a retaining element disposed over the inner shaft for directing the grabber toward a closed position. An implant clip has a first member, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, a first implant holder pivotally coupled to the first member, the coupling causing the implant clip to have a closed position and an open position, and a second implant holder, the second implant holder pivotally coupled to the second member, a surface of the first implant holder and a surface of the second implant holder remaining substantially parallel to each other while the first member and the second member pivot between the closed position and the open position.